LDP group seeks semantic solution to energy revamp

A group of lawmakers from the Liberal Democratic Party seeking to phase out nuclear power has compiled a proposal for drastically revising the nation’s basic energy plan that is to be approved by the Cabinet in January, according to sources close to the group.

While the current draft version of the energy plan says nuclear power is an important power source that serves as a foundation for a stable energy supply, the group’s proposal would describe nuclear power as a “transitional” energy source, the sources said.

The group, led by Deputy Secretary-General Taro Kono, also wants the Abe administration to present a road map for lowering dependence on nuclear power in line with an LDP campaign pledge in the general election last year.